Apple is recommending an update be installed on all MacBook and MacBook Pro computers and extra batteries purchased between February 2006 and April 2007.

Users can download the patch from Software Update or here (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/batteryupdate12.html) if that's your bag.

According to Apple, there are factors causing performance issues in the batteries which do not present a safety risk. Your precious, precious crotch is safe from the ravages of white-hot molten metal and corrosive acid...for the time being. Count your blessings.

After you've installed the update, if your battery still has the following symptoms, contact Apple for a free replacement:

• Battery is not recognized causing an "X" to appear in the battery icon in the Finder menu bar.
• Battery will not charge when computer is plugged into AC power.
• Battery exhibits low charge capacity/runtime when using a fully charged battery with a battery cycle count (as shown in System Profiler) of less than 300.
• Battery pack is visibly deformed [Reporter's note: Somehow I doubt a software update will fix this guy.]

Apple is also extending the repair coverage program for MacBook and MacBook Pro systems with Intel Core Duo processors for up to two years from the date of purchase.

Hopefully this will fix the problems I've been having with my MacBo– ®

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